The Dallas Cowboys stepped onto the field in Las Vegas with heavy hearts on Monday night. Just hours before kickoff against the Raiders, the team unveiled a touching tribute to Marshawn Kneeland, the young defensive end whose life ended far too soon.
Inside the locker room, Kneeland’s No. 94 jersey hung in its familiar spot. The Cowboys shared the image with a simple but powerful caption: “94 forever.” It was a quiet moment that spoke volumes about how deeply his loss has affected everyone in that building.
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Dallas players are also wearing helmet decals and specially designed T-shirts throughout the entire 2025 season, keeping Kneeland’s memory alive every time they take the field. The gestures feel necessary, not performative. When someone is gone at 24, you hold on to what you can.
The Raiders organization joined in honoring Kneeland before the Week 11 Monday Night Football matchup. Allegiant Stadium fell silent as his image appeared on the massive jumbotrons overhead.
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“The entire NFL community is mourning Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland, who passed away on November 6th. We offer our thoughts and prayers to his family, friends, and teammates, and ask that you please join us in a moment of silent reflection as we remember his life.” The announcer said.
Other teams around the NFL held similar moments during Week 10, though the Cowboys were on their bye.
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Kneeland died on November 6 from what Frisco police described as a self-inflicted gunshot wound following a traffic stop. The 2024 draft pick didn’t pull over when officers attempted to stop him, leading to a brief pursuit.
Former Western Michigan defensive lineman Marshawn Kneeland (DL41) works out during the 2024 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
He eventually lost control of his vehicle and fled on foot. Authorities found his body roughly three hours later.
Those who knew him remembered his energy and passion for the game. The kind of player who brought life to every practice and meeting room. Losing someone at 24, with an entire NFL career still ahead, leaves a hole that never quite fills.
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